Major Controversies Surrounding Steve Jobs: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Steve Jobs.

Steve Jobs, a pivotal figure in the personal computer revolution, co-founded Apple Inc. in 1976. Following his departure from Apple in 1985, he established NeXT and acquired Pixar, leading it to animation success. He returned to Apple as CEO in 1997, spearheading the development and marketing of iconic products like the iPhone and iPad, transforming Apple into one of the world's most valuable companies. Jobs resigned from Apple in 2011 and passed away shortly after, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and design.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

January 3, 1983: Time Magazine's "Machine of the Year" and Paternity Dispute

On January 3, 1983, Time magazine released its "Machine of the Year" issue, featuring an article about Steve Jobs's paternity dispute and his questioning of the reliability of a DNA test that indicated a 94.1% probability of him being Lisa Brennan's father.

January 1985: Apple's Annual Meeting Omits Apple II

In January 1985, Apple's annual meeting did not mention the Apple II division, despite its products accounting for 85% of the company's sales. This led to frustration and the departure of employees like Steve Wozniak.

May 1985: Sculley Reorganizes Apple

In May 1985, John Sculley decided to reorganize Apple, removing Jobs from the Macintosh group and placing him in charge of "New Product Development".

September 17, 1985: Jobs Resigns from Apple

On September 17, 1985, Steve Jobs submitted his resignation to the Apple Board, and five other senior Apple employees resigned to join him in his new venture, NeXT.

1985: Microsoft Threatens to Halt Mac App Development

In 1985, Microsoft threatened to stop developing Mac applications unless granted a license for the Mac operating system software, leading to future problems for Apple.

October 6, 1997: Michael Dell's comments about Apple

On October 6, 1997, at a Gartner Symposium, Michael Dell was asked what he would do if he ran the then-troubled Apple Computer company, and he said he would shut it down and give the money back to the shareholders.

1997: Return to Apple and Elimination of Philanthropic Programs

Upon his 1997 return to Apple, Jobs optimized the failing company to the core, such as eliminating all philanthropic programs, never to be restored.

August 2006: Jobs's appearance at WWDC sparks health concerns

In early August 2006, Steve Jobs delivered the keynote at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). His thin appearance and listless delivery led to speculation about his health, though some attendees said he looked fine. Apple spokesperson maintained that "Steve's health is robust".

December 29, 2006: Completion of Apple's internal investigation

On December 29, 2006, an independent internal Apple investigation found that Steve Jobs was unaware of issues related to backdated stock options granted to him and that the options were returned without being exercised in 2003.

2007: Apple listed among "America's least philanthropic companies"

In 2007, Stanford Social Innovation Review magazine listed Apple among "America's least philanthropic companies".

July 1, 2008: Class action suit filed against Apple board members

On July 1, 2008, a $7 billion class action suit was filed against several members of the Apple board of directors for revenue lost because of alleged securities fraud.

August 28, 2008: Bloomberg mistakenly publishes Jobs's obituary

On August 28, 2008, Bloomberg mistakenly published Steve Jobs's obituary, which intensified rumors about his health. The error was quickly rectified.

December 16, 2008: Phil Schiller to deliver Macworld keynote

On December 16, 2008, Apple announced that Phil Schiller would deliver the keynote address at Macworld Conference and Expo 2009, reviving questions about Steve Jobs's health.

2008: Health concerns following 2008 WWDC Keynote Address

In 2008, concerns arose after Steve Jobs's WWDC keynote address. Apple officials attributed it to a "common bug," while others speculated about the Whipple procedure. During a July conference call, Apple insisted it was a "private matter".